Concerts, including several free events, are scheduled at Royce Hall, Center Theater in Long Beach, Wadsworth Theater, California Plaza, Old Pasadena/Central Park, the Conga Room, Temple Bar, The Jazz Bakery and World Stage. Los Angeles is the second of four cities hosting this year's festival.

"Thousands of music fans enjoyed the great entertainers and fantastic concerts at the first Verizon Music Festival last year," said Tim McCallion, president, Verizon Pacific Region. "This year, we have even more exciting concerts in store for people throughout the greater Los Angeles area, and we hope that music fans will sample our diverse line-up of performances."

George Wein, CEO of Festival Productions, Inc. and producer of the Verizon Music Festival, said, "Not often does a producer have the challenge as well as the opportunity to present one festival in four cities. While concerts are tailored to appeal to each city’s own diverse culture and interests, the Verizon Music Festival is one national celebration of music."

The Los Angeles edition of the Verizon Music Festival will begin Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. at UCLA’s Royce Hall with the remarkable master of love songs, Teddy Pendergrass. The Billy Mitchell Trio will open the evening.

On Oct. 1, the Verizon Music Festival will present an evening with vocalist Lea DeLaria plus the Jazz Classics, featuring Patrice Rushen, Ndugu Chancler at the Center Theater in Long Beach at 8 p.m.

Pioneering banjo player Béla Fleck, who virtually reinvented the image and sound of the banjo, takes the stage with the Flecktones at Royce Hall stage Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.

Singing and dancing salsa to a hip-hop samba, the multi-cultural group Ozomatli and Toshi Reagon, a shining star of retro funk, urban blues and folk, will perform at the Verizon Music Festival in a free concert at California Plaza Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.

Five-time Grammy Award winner Al Jarreau, whose unique vocal style and innovative musical expressions have made him one of the world’s most exciting performers, will headline a concert at the Wadsworth Theater Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. Newcomer smooth jazz trumpeter Chris Botti will join Jarreau at the concert.

In another free concert, Julieta Venegas and Quetzal will perform at California Plaza Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Later that evening enjoy the rhythmic sounds of Eddie Palmieri y La Perfecta II at the Conga Room at 9 p.m. Tickets are available at the Conga Room for this performance only, 323-938-1696.

On Oct. 6, the legendary Ray Charles will headline a free outdoor concert at Old Pasadena/ Central Park at noon. Joining the award-winning maestro of R&B will be some of tomorrow’s shining stars, including Soulive, Gerald Clayton, Kátia Moraes & Samba Guru, Eugene Maslov and others to be announced. There will be continuous music on two stages.

The Los Angeles festival also will include a seven-night series at the Temple Bar, The Jazz Bakery and World Stage.

The Verizon Music Festival moves to Tampa Nov. 2-8 with performances by Clint Black, Wayne Shorter, Al Jarreau and others. In Washington, D.C., the Verizon Music Festival kicks off with a free show on Oct. 20 at Freedom Plaza and ticketed performances at the Lisner Auditorium on Nov. 14 and Cramton Auditorium on Nov. 15. Full lineups for Tampa and Washington, D.C. will be announced in the coming weeks. The four-city festival kicks off in New York Sept. 17-22.

All tickets for the Verizon Music Festival in Los Angeles are available through Ticketmaster outlets, including Tower Records, Robinson-May, Wherehouse Music (select locations), Tu Musica and Ritmo Latino by calling 213-365-3500 and online at ticketmaster.com. Service charges apply on all phone, outlet and online sales. For full Verizon Music Festival information, call 212-501-1390. In Southern California, call 310-450-1173, or visit the festival Web site.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com ()News StorySat, 29 Jan 2011 20:21:29 -0600New Artists Share Center Stage with Established Talent at Verizon Music Festival This Fall in LAhttp://www.jazzreview.com/jazz-news/news-story/new-artists-share-center-stage-with-established-talent-at-verizon-music-festival-this-fall-in-la.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/jazz-news/news-story/new-artists-share-center-stage-with-established-talent-at-verizon-music-festival-this-fall-in-la.htmlLOS ANGELES Budding entertainers have tried many ways to gain recognition Star Search, Showtime at the Apollo and American Idols just to name a few; however, the 2002 Verizon Music Festival, which comes to Los Angeles September 30-October 6, is the perfect showcase for new talent to share center stage with established artists. This year’s Verizon Music Festival "emerging talent" artists, who were selected based on their performances, recordings, media attention and indust …

LOS ANGELES Budding entertainers have tried many ways to gain recognition Star Search, Showtime at the Apollo and American Idols just to name a few; however, the 2002 Verizon Music Festival, which comes to Los Angeles September 30-October 6, is the perfect showcase for new talent to share center stage with established artists.

This year’s Verizon Music Festival "emerging talent" artists, who were selected based on their performances, recordings, media attention and industry buzz, The emerging talent line-up at premier performances includes jazz vocalist Lea DeLaria appearing with the Jazz Classic featuring Patrice Rushen and Ndugu Chancler at Center Theatre in Long Beach on October 1 at 8:00 p.m. and smooth jazz trumpeter Chris Botti appearing with Al Jarreau at Wadsworth Theater on October 4 at 8:00 p.m.

In addition, folk and blues vocalist/guitarist Toshi Reagon performs with Ozomatli at California Plaza on October 3 at 6:00 p.m.; Mexican rock/jazz group Quetzal joins Julieta Venegas at California Plaza on October 5 at 7:00 p.m.; and jazz pianist Gerald Clayton appears with Ray Charles, Soulive, Kátia Moraes and others at Old Central Park in Old Pasadena on October 6 at noon.

George Wein, CEO of Festival Productions, Inc. and producer of the Verizon Music Festival, added, "While being selected for the Verizon Music Festival is much simpler than artists trying to impress judges or seeing for whom the audience claps loudest, it is still a long and thoughtful process. There’s an abundance of great talent from which to choose, and we’re pleased to present this year’s exciting line-up to concert-goers."

Lea DeLaria’s long and varied resume includes her success as a stand-up comedian for two decades, an actress, author and now jazz singer. After performing at leading comedy clubs across the nation, she began gaining even more exposure through staring in the Broadway revival of On The Town as well as the recent Rocky Horror Picture Show and guest spots on Friends, Matlock, The Drew Carey Show, One Life to Live and in her motion picture debut, The First Wives Club. In 2001, she switched gears and signed a four-record deal with Warner Brothers Records, resulting in her first jazz album, Play It Cool.

Chris Botti, whose evocative, atmospheric trumpet improvisations have put him in the forefront of contemporary jazz, is one of the most popular and promising new arrivals of any musical genre. After two years on the road with Sting as a featured soloist in the Brand New Day band, it’s no wonder that his fan base continues to grow. In fact, his new CD, Night Sessions, was written and recorded between Sting’s concert dates. The Oregon-bred trumpeter also has performed in the studio or on stage with Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Natalie Merchant and others.

Toshi Reagon, daughter of Sweet Honey in the Rock founder Bernice Johnson Reagon, is poised to follow in her mother’s footsteps footsteps that lead to rave reviews, loyal fans and extraordinary music filled with messages and meaning. Her trademark performances showcase her booming, earthy voice, strong songwriting and stellar guitar work. Reagon’s compositions range from folksy, retro funk and blues highlighting her political activism to soulful stories about relationships.

Quetzal is known as one of L.A.’s finest bands; and to prove it, their audiences are always large and always satisfied. Stemming from the Los Angeles Chicano Movement, the eight-piece ensemble combines Mexican indigenous music with rock and Caribbean influences. The members of this politically active group bring together musicians of Cuban, Chicano and Brazilian backgrounds, all contributing to Quetzal’s unique sound, danceable rhythms and lyrics that fill the soul and feed the mind.

Gerald Clayton, a gifted young pianist, is a senior at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Since his sophomore year, he has been a member of the school’s jazz combo and jazz big band, which opened the 2000 and 2001 Playboy Jazz Festival and performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival. A recipient of the 2001 Spotlight Award, Gerald was presented the 2002 "Level 1" award by the National Foundation for the Advancement for the Arts and elected a Presidential Scholar in the Arts.

All tickets for the Verizon Music Festival in Los Angeles are available through Ticketmaster outlets, including Tower Records, Robinson-May, Wherehouse Music (select locations), Tu Musica and Ritmo Latino by calling 213-365-3500 and online at ticketmaster.com ). Service charges apply on all phone, outlet and online sales. For full Verizon Music Festival information, call 212-501-1390. In Southern California, call 310-450-1173, or visit the festival Web site at verizon.com/musicfestival ).

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 133.8 million access line equivalents and approximately 29.6 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and nearly 248,000 employees, Verizon’s global presence extends to more than 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit .www.verizon.com ).

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VERIZON’S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts and other information are available at Verizon’s News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com ()News StorySat, 29 Jan 2011 20:21:28 -0600Razoredge Records Releases World-Renown Drummer Rayford Griffin 's Debut CDhttp://www.jazzreview.com/jazz-news/news-story/razoredge-records-releases-world-renown-drummer-rayford-griffin-s-debut-cd.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/jazz-news/news-story/razoredge-records-releases-world-renown-drummer-rayford-griffin-s-debut-cd.htmlRazorEdge Records announces the worldwide release of Rayford Griffin’s debut album, Rebirth of The Cool. In producing this recording, Griffin himself has been reborn as the leader of his own group, as a composer, as an arranger, and as a singer. Widely known as one of today’s top jazz drummers, Griffin has toured and recorded with a long list of legendary musicians including Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Kenny G, Michael Bolton, and Anita Baker. Now, making his own mark, Rebirth …

RazorEdge Records announces the worldwide release of Rayford Griffin’s debut album, Rebirth of The Cool. In producing this recording, Griffin himself has been reborn as the leader of his own group, as a composer, as an arranger, and as a singer.

Widely known as one of today’s top jazz drummers, Griffin has toured and recorded with a long list of legendary musicians including Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Kenny G, Michael Bolton, and Anita Baker.

Now, making his own mark, Rebirth of The Cool contains nine original tracks featuring guest appearances by more of his legendary cohorts Branford Marsalis, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, and Dwight Sills, to name a few. The music is best described as "Neo-classic" radio-friendly jazz, with commercial appeal that spans the contemporary and smooth jazz markets. It is an innovative return to solid grooving old-school jazz with inventive musical artistry and strong performances all captured in a live studio setting. For additional information, go to JazzReview.com .

Rebirth of The Cool has been released worldwide through Lightyear Entertainment, the New York based music and video label and label group distributed in the U.S. by WEA. Following the successful U.S. WEA Distribution release in July 2003, the album is now scheduled for release in Canada by Koch, Japan by JVC, Germany by inakustik, the UK by Revolver, and in Spain by Maui Music. Additional international releases will be forthcoming.

Lightyear Entertainment President and CEO Arnie Holland, who served with both Capitol and RCA prior to Lightyear’s establishment in 1987, said: "Rayford has a distinctive, percussive attack on the drums that immediately impresses you. This album goes way beyond his musicianship he has composed, arranged, produced and shows off his talent as a singer on this album, and the result is an extraordinary and memorable CD that made me sit up straight and smile the first time I heard it."

Myron Bernard, General Manager, RazorEdge Records and Griffin’s manager added, "Rayford is a seasoned musician with a proven track record. This debut release demonstrates the diversity needed in this emerging marketplace to impact a wide range of jazz formats from traditional to contemporary smooth jazz. Rayford is a talent who has garnered respect from his contemporizes as well as an enthusiastic growing fan base around the country. I embraced his music from day one and we believe the listeners will do the same."

RazorEdge Records, a division of Griffco Entertainment, Inc., was created and developed in August 2002 by world-class drummer Rayford Griffin and Grammy-nominated producer/arranger Reginald Griffin. Combined, the founders of the label have over 40 years of professional experience in the music industry as composers, arrangers, producers, musicians, and artists. The label’s goal is to produce and sell quality contemporary jazz and R&B recordings, utilizing the talents of musicians, singers, writers and arrangers in a predominantly live studio recording setting. The label’s target demographic includes the adult contemporary, R&B, jazz and smooth jazz consumer.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: A limited number of copies are available for reviewing purposes only, to request a copy of Rebirth of The Cool, arrange for an interview with Rayford Griffin or for additional information, please contact Regina Davis at 626/356-1300 or via email: Regina Davis.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com ()News StorySat, 29 Jan 2011 20:15:55 -0600Lynne Fiddmont Returns Home to St. Louis to Launch Solo Career At Charter Communications/MTV2 Musichttp://www.jazzreview.com/jazz-news/news-story/lynne-fiddmont-returns-home-to-st.-louis-to-launch-solo-career-at-charter-communications/mtv2-music.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/jazz-news/news-story/lynne-fiddmont-returns-home-to-st.-louis-to-launch-solo-career-at-charter-communications/mtv2-music.htmlFrom back-up to stepping-out when St. Louis native, Lynne Fiddmont, makes her move, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, The Jazz Crusaders, Lou Rawls, The Zawinul Syndicate, and other acts will miss having her on their stage. Fiddmont, who for years has been the go-to singer for an astoundingly diverse roster of musical talents that also includes Norah Jones, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Bill Withers, Teena Marie, Howard Hewitt, Yolanda Adams, Norman Brown, Nancy Wilson, Gloria Estefan, Whitney Hou …

From back-up to stepping-out when St. Louis native, Lynne Fiddmont, makes her move, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, The Jazz Crusaders, Lou Rawls, The Zawinul Syndicate, and other acts will miss having her on their stage. Fiddmont, who for years has been the go-to singer for an astoundingly diverse roster of musical talents that also includes Norah Jones, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Bill Withers, Teena Marie, Howard Hewitt, Yolanda Adams, Norman Brown, Nancy Wilson, Gloria Estefan, Whitney Houston, and Seal, is getting ready to go it alone. Fiddmont, who is currently on the road with Phil Collins’ "First Final Farewell Tour" through 2004, has planned a special treat for her hometown audience on August 22, at 6:00 p.m., when she takes the stage to open the final day of the 2004 Charter Communications/MTV2 Music Fest at Missouri Black Expo, she will premiere songs from, Flow, her soon-to-be-released solo debut CD.

"Going on tour with Phil has been a wonderful experience," says Fiddmont. "I’m deeply entrenched in music right now The European leg of the tour is over; the North American side of the tour begins on August 26 and continues until September 30. But on the night of the August 22nd, in my home town, I finally get to perform for my loyal fans and family." Fiddmont continues, "The St. Louis audience will be the first to hear songs from my solo project. I can’t think of a better place to launch my solo career."

The release of Flow, a collection of ten melodic, jazzy soul songs, is set for release early next year. "Flow is the developing philosophy for my life right now," Fiddmont explains. "As things occur, you can either fight them or go with them, figuring out solutions and making the best of a challenging situation." This philosophy was truly put to the test with her recent change working as a duo (Linsey) to a solo recording artist.

Singing has been a way of life from the very beginning. Raised in Richmond Heights, Missouri, her whole family sang, so she never thought anything special about it. "It was just a part of life," she said. Fiddmont’s youthful performances were limited to garage bands and jams, but when she sang "Home" as "Dorothy" in a high school production of The Wiz and received a standing ovation for her efforts, she began to take her "gift" a little more seriously. Her original musical goal was to clock dollars as a session and jingle singer, and eventually become a singing/songwriting star like Lionel Richie, or a songwriter for hire like Dianne Warren.

While writing songs, young Lynne also sang with local bands in coffee houses and at talent shows. Her first professional break came when Wilton Felder of The Crusaders heard a tape of her singing. Suddenly she was touring the country with The Crusaders, singing Randy Crawford staples such as "Street Life" and "One Day I’ll Fly Away."

Fiddmont graduated from Boston University majoring in public relations. One day while singing in Boston, a Berklee faculty member offered her a scholarship. She seized the opportunity to cram in every class she could at the prestigious college of music-the jazz, rock AND recording ensembles-then moved to Los Angeles in 1985. Gigs with Bill Withers (on the reclusive legend’s final "Watching You, Watching Me Tour") and Lou Rawls led to a lengthy association with Stevie Wonder."

Fiddmont is now enjoying the process of creating and promoting her music and herself. She got the push to pursue her own first album while in the middle of one of her voice-for-hire gigs. "I was recording some radio station i.d’s for ‘The Wave’ and Jeff Koz (Dave Koz’s brother at Hum Music). The program director Paul Goldstein happened to be there. After listening to me sing a few takes, he said, ‘Wow, if you do a record, I’ll play it!’"

Fiddmont explained, "I hope everyone enjoys my labor of love; it’s been a long time coming, but I’m ready to let the world know I’m standing here alone, and ready to give it my very best."

For additional information about Lynne Fiddmont, visit her website at FynneFiddmont.com ) . Check out Fiddmont’s debut solo CD, Flow, in stores early next year.

To learn more about the Missouri Black Expo and Charter Communications/MTV2 Music Fest log on to MissouriBlackExpo.com ). Ticket prices for Charter Communications/MTV2 are $28.50 for general reserved seating and $40.00 for Platinum VIP seating or $69.00 for a three-night pass; ticket price includes three day admission to Missouri Black Expo. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com ) , MissouriBlackExpo.com ) , or by calling 314/361-5772.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com ()News StorySat, 29 Jan 2011 20:15:48 -0600Strollin’: A Jazz Life Through John Levy’s Personal Lens Photos & Reflections http://www.jazzreview.com/jazz-news/press-releases/strollin-a-jazz-life-through-john-levys-personal-lens-photos-reflections.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/jazz-news/press-releases/strollin-a-jazz-life-through-john-levys-personal-lens-photos-reflections.htmlHolidays are the perfect times to reminisce, and at the age of 96, with contemplation in mind, the oldest living NEA Jazz Master takes a ‘Stroll’ back in time to share thoughts and images from his personal jazz journey in a new book, Strollin’: A Jazz Life Through John Levy’s Personal Lens by Devra Hall Levy (ISBN: 9780982071403). Images spanning more than 50 years include Levy’s first trip to Japan with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet in 1963, and an amazin

Holidays are the perfect times to reminisce, and at the age of 96, with contemplation in mind, the oldest living NEA Jazz Master takes a ‘Stroll’ back in time to share thoughts and images from his personal jazz journey in a new book, Strollin’: A Jazz Life Through John Levy’s Personal Lens by Devra Hall Levy (ISBN: 9780982071403).

Images spanning more than 50 years include Levy’s first trip to Japan with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet in 1963, and an amazing tour of Ghana in 1971 with Ike and Tina Turner, Eddie Harris and Roberta Flack, Check out historic events such as the Jackson Five rehearsing with the Temptations in 1972, and Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae sharing the stage at the Jackie Robinson estate in 1964. See selected images from decades of attendance at the Playboy and Monterey Festivals, recent jazz cruises, and lots of current backstage visits.

Levy, the grandson of Louisiana slaves, is considered to be the first black talent manager in jazz and popular music. After playing bass in the 1940s with such great artists as Stuff Smith, Erroll Garner, Billie Holiday, and George Shearing, Levy put down his bass to begin an unparalleled career managing a "Who’s Who" of jazz luminaries and legendary superstars. He has made millions of dollars for his clients bringing them from sometimes-total anonymity to the rarefied atmosphere of success and his client roster included: Cannonball Adderley, Brook Benton, Betty Carter, Randy Crawford, Roberta Flack, Arsenio Hall, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Harris, Johnny Hartman, Shirley Horn, Freddie Hubbard, Ahmad Jamal, Henry Johnson, Etta Jones, Yusef Lateef, Ramsey Lewis, Abby Lincoln, Herbie Mann, Letta Mbulu, Les McCann, Wes Montgomery, Billy Paul, Dianne Reeves, Marlena Shaw, George Shearing, Dakota Staton, Dr. Billy Taylor, Stanley Turrentine, Sarah Vaughan, Maxine Weldon, Joe Williams, and Nancy Wilson to name just a few.

Throughout the years Levy was on the scene with his clients at clubs and festivals around the world. Strollin’: A Jazz Life Through John Levy’s Personal Lens, a high-quality soft-cover coffee table book of exquisite color photos interspersed with memories and vignettes that celebrate his journey with nearly 400 images, including a special 10-page section of exclusive shots from the 2006 NEA Jazz Master events taken by professional photographer Leroy Hamilton. The pictures from the Levys’ personal collection include never-before-seen candid shots providing a glimpse behind the scenes, in dressing rooms, backstage, on stage, in rehearsal, in the recording studios, and even a few at home. Hang out with his friends and colleagues, including Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Benny Carter, Hank Jones, the Heath Brothers, Arsenio Hall, Oscar Peterson, Tommy Flanagan, Zoot Sims, and dozens more. Levy has been called one of the unsung heroes of jazz whose work helped define how the American public thinks of jazz.

Strollin’ is a follow up to the celebrated 2000 release, Men, Women, and Girl Singers: My Life as a Musician Turned Talent Manager (ISBN: 0931761743), Levy’s life story written for him by his wife and longtime collaborator Devra Hall Levy.

Strollin’: A Jazz Life Through John Levy’s Personal Lens can be ordered at snapsizzlebop.com for $45.00 (plus shipping & handling); a downloadable PDF/E-book version is also available for $25.00.

Strollin’: A Jazz Life Through John Levy’s Personal Lens can be ordered at snapsizzlebop.com for $45.00 (plus shipping & handling); a downloadable PDF/E-book version is also available for $25.00.

For additional information, check out these links.

About Strollin’: http://snapsizzlebop.com/19/at-the-feet-of-a-jazz-master/

Strollin’ Sampler: http://snapsizzlebop.com/?page_id=56&preview=true

More about John Levy: - Bio: http://lushlife.com- Radio interviews: http://snapsizzlebop.com/look-and-listen/interviews-with-john/- Video of John playing bass with the George Shearing Quintet: http://snapsizzlebop.com/look-and-listen/the-george-shearing-quintet/- Audio recordings of John playing bass with Erroll Garner, Stuff Smith, and George Shearing: http://snapsizzlebop.com/look-and-listen/bassist-john-levy/

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Editor’s Note: PDF copies are available for reviewers; email rdavisprpr@aol.com or call (626) 356-1300 for details.